Why You Should Go On a US River Cruise

Enjoy the sway of the water close to home instead of across the ocean on a US river cruise. A water-centered vacation may be right on your doorstep.

Discover a US River Cruise

There is plenty to do and see along some of the beautiful rivers of the United States.

Convenience Over European Cruises

You’ve probably come to realize that the United States isn’t the only place to enjoy river cruises. There are several that take place regularly in Europe. But there are some benefits to staying "local." A US river cruise may still require airfare, but for most travelers, this is much less of a journey with much lower price tag when it comes to getting on a plane. Costs are cut significantly when there is no need to take an international flight. This offers savings that many families can’t give up. Bottom line: You are going to spend less time on a plane and pay less for it. Some travelers may even be interested in driving to their port to extend their vacation.

In addition to lower airfare, there are a lot of ways that riverboat cruises are more convenient in the United States for residents. There is no need to worry about the conversion of money. No matter where you go along the river, everyone is going to accept the dollar as a means of payment. Cash or charge and you should be good to go without any extra fees or exchange rates to consider. As an added bonus, the weather tends to be less of a factor when it comes to river cruises in the US. If there is too much rain, there are places in Europe where travel on the river will be halted. This is much less likely within the US.

Definition of All-Inclusive

Who doesn’t love an all-inclusive vacation? It tends to take a lot of guesswork out of how much a trip is going to cost. For many families, this is ideal as they can save and very few costs are variable. Still, there are often extra charges for things like soda products, gratuity and tours. In the case of Mississippi River cruises, more of these types of things are included in the cost of the experience. It’s true that the cost of river cruises tends to be higher than those that travel along the ocean. But for the most part, travelers are going to get a lot more during their excursion. It is important to note that this varies from one location to another and one cruise company to another, so be sure to check this out before making a reservation.

Interesting Themes

There is a good chance that a US river cruise is going to have some type of theme. Most of the time there is some type of historical significance tied into the travel. Civil War themed travel includes hosts who offer interesting facts along the way, and in some cases, conversation about the time period and the issues that faced the people living in the area at the time. Everything from military strategy to information on fallen soldiers is covered for travelers who want to know more. And don’t forget about a sampling of the culture of the past. From food to festivals, it is possible to completely immerse yourself. Choose from river boat cruises that focus on anything from music to falling leaves as the seasons change. There is truly something for everyone on one of the Mississippi River cruises or any one of the others located throughout the United States..

Unique Boat Selection

To tie in with those historical themes that often accompany US riverboat cruises, the ships are unique in both size and style. A smaller boat means a more intimate setting. You’ve probably seen or even been on one of the large ships that cruises through the ocean to a variety of destinations. These ships are large, with the goal of taking a lot of people all at one time. River cruises tend to be a little different. Because many of the trips have some type of historical element, the boats themselves are often part of the experience. While they feature all of the modern amenities that a person could ask for, they are styled after boats of the past, especially paddlewheels. The moment you walk up to the boat, you might want to have your camera ready. Despite not having a casino or spa, the charm of the ship is a real draw. The ambiance of river boat cruises is often like nothing a traveler has ever experienced before.

Various Durations to Choose From

How long do you want to be cruising down the river? There are lots of different durations to choose from. However, it is important to note that the pace of a US river cruise is much slower when compared to traveling on the ocean. Lots of stops are made along the way so that guests have time to experience all of the different locations beside the river. The schedule is relaxed, making it a great choice for someone trying to avoid a hectic family vacation. Instead, there is lots of downtime and opportunities for exploration.